One in three citizens in Europe and Central Asia consider corruption to be one of the biggest problems facing their country, according to a survey conducted by Transparency International, called “People and Corruption: Europe and Central Asia”, based on responses provided by 60,000 citizens in 42 countries.

This figure rises to two in three in Kosovo, Moldova and Spain, the report notes, “showing that urgent actions against the abuse of power and secret deals are needed”.

“In EU countries many citizens see how the wealthy and those in government distort the system to their advantage. Governments are simply not doing enough to tackle corruption because individuals at the top are benefiting”, said José Ugaz, Chair of Transparency International.

53% of respondents believe governments are failing to fight corruption

Among other results, the survey revealed that 53% think that “their government is doing badly at fighting corruption”. Only 23% believe their government is doing well. But “the governments of Ukraine (86%), Moldova (84%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (82%), and Spain (80%) were judged worst by their citizens”, according to the report.

The report states that, “although few households paid bribes when coming into contact with public services in EU Member States, rates were significantly higher further east”. Nevertheless, Spain obtained low rates in the survey and is considered “negative / high risk” on the two questions “Is corruption one of the biggest problems facing the country?” and “How is the government doing at fighting corruption”; and “mediocre” on “How corrupt are MPs?”.

Citizens in the UK and France rate their government “mediocre” on the first and third topic, and “negative” on the second one. This is the average for the EU+ zone, said the report.